Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
Published on: February 4, 2021
Increased interleukin-18 expression in nonrheumatic aortic valve stenosis
Background:
It is unknown whether interleukin-18 (IL-18) participates in the pathophysiology of nonrheumatic aortic stenosis (NR-AS).
Methods:
We examined IL-18 expression in human NR-AS valves by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.
Results:
Immunohistochemistry revealed that NR-AS valves showed increased IL-18 expression compared with controls. IL-18 receptor was also expressed in NR-AS valves. Western blot analysis showed that IL-18 was expressed as an active form in NR-AS valves. Furthermore, increased IL-18 expression was correlated with the advanced clinical severity of NR-AS.
Conclusions:
IL-18 was expressed in the aortic valves and up-regulated in NR-AS valves. IL-18 may contribute to the pathophysiology of NR-AS.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

